Berklee Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Equity Policy and Process1
Berklee, including the Berklee College of Music, the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Valencia,
and Berklee Online, is a diverse community comprised of individuals with different life experiences,
viewpoints, and belief systems. A welcoming and inclusive culture is essential to maintaining Berklee’s
role as a leader in music education, and Berklee highly values the dynamic environment that results when
students, faculty, administrators, and staff from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, live, and work.
The following Equity Policy and Process was designed to further Berklee’s goal of inclusion, respect, and
equity for all community members and affirms Berklee’s commitment to promote fairness and equity in all
aspects of the institution.
Equity Policy
I. Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy Statement
This policy prohibits acts of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including, but not limited
to, sexual assault or harassment, domestic/dating violence, and stalking. Such acts undermine Berklee
community values and are strictly prohibited. This policy and the institution’s commitment to fostering a
safe, supportive, and diverse climate is a fundamental part of a Berklee community where all can study,
live, and work together in an environment of equal opportunity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.
Berklee adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws barring discrimination, including, but not limited
to, Title IX and Title VI of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Massachusetts Equal Rights Law.
Berklee is committed not only to compliance with these mandates, but to promoting a culture that is in line
with the values these civil rights laws envision. To that end, the Equity Policy and Process is intended to
address and resolve complaints involving any legally protected characteristic. Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities and
Berklee has developed policies and procedures that prohibit such sex discrimination in all of its forms.
Some sections of this policy focus on sex- and gender-based harassment, but this policy and related
procedures apply equally to all forms of harassment based on a protected characteristic.
Specifically, this policy and process prohibits and addresses discrimination and harassment based on age,
ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, mental
illness, military/veteran status, national and ethnic origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by law (collectively referred to as “protected
characteristics”), whether that characteristic is actual or perceived.
II. Applicability and Scope
Who - This policy applies to:
• All members of the Berklee community (including undergraduate and graduate programs at
Berklee, the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Valencia, and Berklee Online), including
students, faculty, staff, recognized groups, and applicants for admission or employment; and
•
Third parties (i.e., visitors, independent contractors, and others who are neither students nor
employees), where their conduct is directed toward or otherwise affects Berklee community
members.
1
This Policy and Process is the result of input from various areas of Berklee, as well as guidance from
outside sources. As the Policy and Process is implemented, modifications or additions may be made, which
will be communicated on an ongoing basis to the community through publication at berklee.edu/equity,
where the most up to date version of this Policy and Process will always be found.
1 Where - This policy applies to:
• Conduct that occurs on campus (Boston or Valencia), including online or electronic conduct
initiated or received on campus or through use of Berklee computing or network resources; and
•
Conduct that occurs off campus, including online or electronic conduct, when the conduct:
occurs in the context of an employment or educational program or activity of Berklee;
has the effect of continuing adverse effects on campus, including adverse impact on
any member of the Berklee community or Berklee itself;
has continuing adverse effects in an off-campus employment or education program or
activity, such as travel abroad, research, performances, or internship programs;
causes concern for safety or security of Berklee’s campus; or
has, or may have, the effect of contributing to or continuing a hostile environment in a
Berklee program or activity.
What - This policy applies to:
• All forms of prohibited conduct defined below, including, but not limited to, discrimination,
harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.
•
Any other policy violation related to discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic may
also be addressed under this policy and the Equity Complaint Process that follows.
•
Protected characteristics include age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender
expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, mental illness, military/veteran status,
national and ethnic origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, or
any other characteristic protected by law, whether that characteristic is actual or perceived.
When - This policy applies regardless of the length of time since the conduct occurred. Berklee encourages
those who experience or witness discrimination and/or harassment to report incidents as soon as possible in
order to maximize Berklee’s ability to obtain evidence and conduct a thorough investigation. Disciplinary
action can generally only be taken against a respondent as long as that person is enrolled, employed, or
otherwise involved with Berklee. Even if Berklee’s disciplinary options are limited, it may still take steps
to attempt to end the harassment, address its effects, and prevent its recurrence. Any respondent who is
found responsible may be removed or prohibited from campus or Berklee programs or activities regardless
of status.
The chief equity officer serves as Title IX coordinator and oversees this policy and implementation of the
Equity Complaint Process. In addition to coordinating the Equity Process generally, the Title IX
coordinator is charged with the responsibility of coordinating Berklee’s efforts to comply with its
obligations under Title IX, including addressing complaints of sexual misconduct, coordinating
investigations, overseeing sanctioning, and providing appropriate interim measures for the Berklee
community.
Inquiries about this policy and procedure should be made to:
Christopher Kandus-Fisher
Chief Equity Officer; Title IX Coordinator
Vice President for Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion
921 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 5th Floor
617-747-2330
ckandusfisher@berklee.edu
Inquiries about discrimination or harassment covered by this policy may also be directed to:
U.S. Department of Education: Office for Civil Rights
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Suite 900
2 Boston, MA 02109-3921
617-289-0111
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
JFK Building, Room 475
15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203
617-565-3200
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
617-727-3990
III. Prohibited Conduct and Definitions2
A. Discrimination
Any conduct that excludes an individual from participation, denies the individual benefits, treats the
individual differently, or otherwise adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s employment,
education, living environment, or participation in a Berklee program on the basis of the affected
individual’s actual or perceived protected characteristic. Examples of discrimination include, but are not
limited to, denying a student a performance opportunity because of the student’s race, disability, sexual
orientation, or other protected characteristic; giving a student a lower grade than deserved because of the
student’s gender, military service, religion, or other protected characteristic; denying an employee a
promotion because of the employee’s age, gender expression/identity, or other protected characteristic.
B. Harassment
Harassment is unwelcome, offensive conduct that occurs on the basis of the affected individual’s actual or
perceived protected characteristic. Harassment often takes the form of degrading or hostile behavior, and
has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s employment or education, or
creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working, living, or learning environment. Interference with
education may include interfering with an individual’s rights to access their living environment and campus
activities. Sexual harassment is one form of harassment (defined more fully below) and is characterized by
unwelcome conduct that is sexual in nature.
The fact that a person was personally offended by a statement or incident does not alone constitute
harassment in violation of this policy. Whether harassment occurred is measured from both an objective
(reasonable person’s view) and subjective (the complainant’s view) standard, and depends on the totality of
the circumstances, including: the context of a communication or incident; the relationship of the individuals
involved; whether an incident was isolated or part of a course of conduct; the seriousness or severity of the
incident; the intent of the individual who engaged in the offensive conduct; and its effect or impact on the
individual and the working or learning community.
In all instances, a key factor is whether the reported behavior occurred because of one of the protected
characteristics listed above. If it did not, the behavior is not subject to this policy (such behavior may be
subject to other Berklee policies, such as the Student Code of Community Standards).
C. Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is a broad term which encompasses, but is not limited to, sex or gender discrimination,
sexual assault, sexual violence, rape, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and sexual exploitation,
coercion, and intimidation. Conduct defined below violates Berklee policy, regardless of whether the
conduct rises to the level of violating the law.
2
Criminal definitions under state and federal law for some of the conduct described under this policy such
as relationship violence (including dating and domestic violence) and stalking can be found in Appendix A
to this policy at berklee.edu/equity/criminaldefinitions.
3 D. Sex-Based Harassment
Sex-based harassment is a form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct that includes sexual
harassment and gender-based harassment.
Such conduct is harassment when:
•
It is made a condition of academic status or employment;
•
Refusing or submitting to the conduct is used as a basis for academic or employment decisions; or
•
The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or
academic performance. Interference with academic performance may include interfering with an
individual’s rights to access their living environment and campus activities.
Sexual or gender-based harassment has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work or academic performance if, for example, it is sufficiently serious, pervasive or persistent
as to create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, demeaning, discriminatory or sexually offensive working,
academic, residential or social environment under both an objective (reasonable person’s view) and
subjective (the complainant’s view) standard. Sexual or gender-based harassment may occur regardless of
the intention of the person engaging in the conduct.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based harassment and sexual misconduct that involves unwelcome or
unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
Gender-based harassment is unwelcome conduct of a nonsexual nature based on an individual’s actual or
perceived sex, including conduct based on gender identity, gender expression, and nonconformity with
gender stereotypes. It is a form of sex-based harassment and sexual misconduct.
Sexual and gender-based harassment can be directed toward a person of any sex/gender by someone of any
sex/gender and can take many forms.
Some examples of unwelcome or unwanted conduct that could constitute sexual or gender-based
harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances include, but are not limited to,
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Lewd remarks, whistles, or personal reference to one’s anatomy;
Visual displays of degrading sexual images;
Unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, or constant brushing against a person’s
body;
Subtle or overt pressure for sexual favors;
Persistent and offensive sexual jokes and comments or requests for dates;
Email, text, or social media messages of an offensive sexual nature;
Use of sexual epithets, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life
and comments on an individual’s body, sexual activity, deficiencies or prowess, and/or conformity
to expected notions of gender;
Sexual exhibitionism;
Inquiries into one’s sexual activities;
Sexual violence of any type.
Sexual or gender-based harassment can occur between
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Teacher and student;
Supervisor and employee;
Teacher and teacher;
Student and student;
4 •
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Staff member and student;
Other relationships among colleagues, peers, and coworkers; and/or
Service providers and vendors of Berklee.
G. Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is actual or attempted sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent,
whether by an acquaintance or by a stranger, and it is a form of sexual violence. There are many degrees
and forms of sexual assault, including, but not limited to, acts of non-consensual sexual contact and nonconsensual sexual intercourse such as rape, sexual battery, sexual coercion, forcible sodomy, forcible oral
copulation, sexual assault with an object, forcible fondling, and threat of sexual assault.
Non-consensual sexual intercourse or rape includes any form of sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal)
with any object without consent. Intercourse includes, but is not limited to, vaginal or anal penetration,
however slight, by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; or mouth-to-genital contact.
Non-consensual sexual contact involves intentional and unwelcome sexual touching, however slight,
usually, but not necessarily, involving contact with genitals, breasts, groin, or buttocks by a body part or
object, that is without consent. Sexual touching includes, but is not limited to, intentional contact with
someone’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals; touching someone else with any of these body parts;
making someone touch you or themselves on these same body parts; or intentional physical contact in a
sexual manner, even if it does not involve contact with or by these body parts.
H. Consent
Consent is giving clear permission, by words or actions, to engage in mutually agreed-upon specific sexual
contact. It must be informed, voluntary, and mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time. Consent must exist
from the beginning to the end of each instance of sexual activity and for each form of sexual contact.
Consent is an active and on-going choice to knowingly, and without pressure, engage in a sexual encounter.
For consent to exist, each individual involved in a sexual encounter must obtain consent prior to any sexual
activity and any change or escalation in sexual activity.
•
In the absence of mutually understandable words or actions, the person who wants to engage in a
specific sexual activity or the initiator of that activity is responsible to make sure they have
consent from their partner.
•
A verbal “no,” even if it may sound indecisive or insincere, constitutes a lack of consent.
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An individual’s silence, appearance, dress, sexual history, current sexual relationship, or use of
alcohol or drugs do not indicate consent.
•
Consent can never be given if a person is incapacitated, drugged, asleep, unconscious, or impaired
because of a physical or mental condition, or is under the legal age to give consent (16 years of
age in Massachusetts).
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An individual may also be unable to give consent due to an intellectual, developmental, or other
disability that impairs their ability to give consent.
•
Past sexual activity does not imply future and/or ongoing consent. The fact that people are in an
ongoing relationship does not eliminate the possibility of sexual misconduct within that
relationship.
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An individual’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs does not diminish that individual’s responsibility
to obtain consent.
5 •
Consent is not effective if it results from the use or threat of physical force, deception,
manipulation, lying, intimidation, or coercion, or any other factor that would eliminate an
individual’s ability to exercise their own free will to choose whether or not to have sexual contact.
•
If, during the sexual activity, any confusion or ambiguity arises as to the willingness of a person to
proceed, all parties should stop and clarify willingness to continue with the sexual encounter.
•
Either party may withdraw consent at anytime. Once withdrawal of consent has been expressed,
sexual activity must cease.
I. Incapacitation
Incapacitation occurs when an individual is asleep, unconscious, losing or regaining consciousness, or
otherwise unable to make informed rational judgments and decisions because of their current
circumstances. If alcohol or other drugs are involved, incapacitation may be measured by evaluating how
the substance affects a person’s decision-making capacity, awareness, and ability to make informed
judgments. The impact of alcohol and other drugs varies from person to person; however, warning signs of
possible incapacitation include, but are not limited to, slurred speech, unsteadiness, impaired coordination,
inability to perform personal tasks such as undressing, inability to maintain eye contact, vomiting, and
sudden change in emotion. When alcohol is involved, incapacitation is a state beyond intoxication. With
regard to consent, the question is whether the respondent knew, or a sober, reasonable person in the
position of the respondent should have known, that the other person was incapacitated.
J. Coercion
Coercion includes the use of pressure or oppressive behavior, including expressed or implied threats of
harm, or severe or pervasive emotional intimidation, which places an individual in fear of immediate or
future harm or physical injury or causes a person to engage in unwelcome sexual activity. Coercion
includes administration of a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance for the purpose of impairing a person. A
person’s words or conduct amount to coercion if they wrongfully impair the other’s freedom of will and
ability to choose whether or not to engage in sexual activity. In assessing whether coercion was used, the
frequency, duration, and intensity of the pressure applied will be taken into consideration. If sexual acts
were preceded by threats or coercion, there is no consent.
K. Intimidation
Intimidation is spoken, written, or physical conduct directed toward an individual or individuals that
reasonably leads the targeted person to fear for their physical well-being, or to engage in sexual conduct
for self-protection and/or the protection of others. Intimidation includes conduct that is intended to create or
may be reasonably determined to have created a threatening or hostile environment.
L. Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation occurs when one person takes sexual advantage of another person for the benefit of
anyone other than that other person and without that other person’s consent. Examples of behavior that
could rise to the level of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to,
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Prostituting another person;
Recording or distributing images (e.g., video, photograph) or audio of another person’s sexual
activity, intimate body parts, or nakedness without that person’s consent;
Viewing another person’s sexual activity, intimate body parts, or nakedness in a place where that
person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, without that person’s consent, and for the
purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire;
Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of sexually transmitted
infection; or
Administering alcohol or drugs (such as “date rape” drugs) to another person without that person’s
knowledge or consent
M. Relationship Violence
6 Relationship violence (also known as dating violence or domestic violence) refers to actual or threatened
violence or manipulative behavior by a person who is or was in an intimate, dating, or domestic
relationship with the person subject to such behavior. Relationship violence can include actual or
threatened violence or manipulative behavior to the subject’s family and friends. Relationship violence can
also involve domestic violence committed by a person with whom the person subject to the violence shares
a child or domicile in common. The existence of a relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and
frequency of interaction.
Relationship violence includes, but is not limited to,
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Physical violence, such as kicking, hitting, pinching, choking, or biting;
Sexual violence, such as forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not
consent;
Emotional violence, such as isolation, intimidation, belittling, stalking, “outing” someone against
that person’s will, cyber-bullying/harassment, or threat of physical force; or
Economic abuse, such as withholding financial resources to intimidate, threaten, or cause a person
to remain in a relationship because of access to finances.
N. Stalking
Stalking is defined as a persistent, unwanted or unwelcome, and repeated course of conduct that would
cause a reasonable person to become fearful for their own safety or the safety of another, or suffer
substantial emotional distress. Stalking includes “cyber stalking,” a form of stalking over an electronic
medium such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices.
Examples of stalking include, but are not limited to,
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Following a person(s);
Repeatedly appearing at a person’s home, work, or class;
Making frequent phone calls, emails, texts, etc. to a person(s);
Leaving written messages or objects for a person(s); or
Vandalizing a person’s property
Anyone can be stalked, regardless of sex or gender. A stalker can be an intimate partner or former partner,
classmate, roommate, professor, co-worker, any acquaintance, or a stranger.
O. Hate Crimes
For the purpose of this policy, a “hate crime” is defined as violence to a person or damage to property or
any other criminal act that is motivated entirely or partly by hostility toward or intolerance of another’s
actual or perceived protected characteristic. Hate crimes are not limited to actual completed crimes but may
also be threatened or attempted crimes and may include assault and battery, vandalism, or other destruction
of property, or verbal threats of physical harm. Harassment or intimidation may also be a hate crime when
intended to interfere with a person's civil rights.
P. Hostile Environment
A hostile environment exists when harassment or discrimination based upon a protected characteristic is
sufficiently serious to deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from Berklee’s
education or employment programs or activities. In determining whether harassment or discrimination has
created a hostile environment, Berklee considers the conduct from the perspective of a reasonable person
and assessment of a variety of factors related to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the conduct,
including (1) the type, frequency, and duration; (2) the identity and relationships of persons involved; (3)
the number of individuals involved; (4) the location of the conduct and the context in which it occurred;
and (5) the degree to which the conduct affected one or more community member’s education or
employment. The more severe the harassment or discrimination, the less need there is to show a repetitive
series of incidents to find a hostile environment. Indeed, a single or isolated incident of harassment or
discrimination may be sufficient to create a hostile environment, particularly if the harassment is physical.
7 Likewise, a series of incidents may be sufficient, even if the harassment or discrimination is not particularly
severe.
IV. Disabilities
For students, the director of Disability Services has been designated as the ADA/504 coordinator
responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with disability laws, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and its amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including
investigation of any complaint alleging noncompliance. For faculty and staff, the director for the Office for
Diversity and Inclusion has been designated as the ADA/504 coordinator responsible for coordinating
efforts to comply with these disability laws, including investigation of any complaint alleging
noncompliance.
The Equity Complaint Process described below covers claims of disability-related harassment and
discrimination. Disability accommodation requests are handled separately from the Equity Complaint
Process. Procedures for requesting accommodations are described in the Human Resources Policy Manual
and on the Student Disability Services website at berklee.edu/counseling-and-advising-center/disabilityservices-students.
Employee requests for disability-related accommodations should be made to Kevin Johnson, director for
the Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Student requests for accommodations should be directed to
Disability Services.
V. Retaliation
Retaliation is any conduct or behavior that interferes with a person’s rights and ability to pursue both
internal disciplinary processes and charges through external law enforcement authorities, as well as rights
to access education and/or work. Retaliation may include intimidation, threats, coercion, or adverse
employment or educational actions. Retaliation includes taking, or causing third parties to take, any such
action. Retaliation against a complainant or witness may be violating Berklee policy and the law, even if
the original complaint of misconduct cannot be substantiated.
Berklee, as well as state and federal laws, prohibits retaliation against any person who, in good faith,
reports, assists in reporting, or participates in an investigation of possible discrimination, harassment, or
sexual or gender-based misconduct. Retaliation against an individual for reporting a complaint or concern
about a violation or suspected violation of this policy, for supporting a complainant, or for assisting in
providing information in the context of an investigation or disciplinary proceeding pursuant to this policy is
a serious violation of Berklee’s policy and will be subject to discipline pursuant to this policy and the
Equity Complaint Process.
Incidents of suspected retaliation should be reported to the investigator(s) assigned to the matter or to any
individual identified below in the Formal Reporting to Berklee section.
VI. Options, Reporting, and Confidentiality
Berklee encourages individuals who have been subjected to a violation of this policy or who witnessed
such a violation to talk to somebody about what happened – so they can get the support they need and so
Berklee can respond appropriately.
Overview/What to Do
This policy explains options and resources available to Berklee community members who believe they
have been subject to or witnessed any type of discrimination, harassment, sexual or gender-based
misconduct, or any other conduct prohibited by this policy. The following is an overview of what to do and
how Berklee will respond, investigate, and provide support.
Immediately
For any individual subject to or witness to physical violence of any type, the first step is always the same:
get to a safe place as soon as possible and call a trusted friend or advocate. Any individual subject to
physical violence should seek medical attention. Take care to preserve any evidence of the incident, even if
8 there is uncertainty whether a claim will be filed or legal action will be taken. This may assist in proving
that a criminal offense occurred or be helpful in obtaining a protection order, should the individual choose
to do so later.
Assess Your Options
If any individual has been subject or witnessed any type of discrimination, harassment, sexual or genderbased misconduct, or any other conduct prohibited by this policy, the following options are available.
Individuals may pursue some or all of these options simultaneously:
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Seek confidential support and counseling from the personal counseling staff located in the
Counseling and Advising Center (617-747-2310) and other confidential resources listed in this
policy. An after-hours confidential resource (personal counseling staff) can be accessed by calling
Public Safety at 617-747-2333;
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Report the incident to or file a complaint with Berklee, so it may investigate and provide
protective and remedial measures, by contacting Berklee’s chief equity officer/Title IX
coordinator, Christopher Kandus-Fisher, (617-747-2330, ckandusfisher@berklee.edu), any deputy
identified herein, or one of the other Berklee reporting sources identified below;
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Notify law enforcement authorities and file a criminal complaint by calling Berklee Public Safety
(617-747-2333), 911, or other law enforcement units listed in this policy. In Valencia, contact
police by dialing 112, or call Berklee Valencia Security Control Center at +34 961 975 817.
If Berklee is Notified
Berklee’s chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator will contact the complainant and provide information
regarding rights, options, how to get immediate confidential help and, in appropriate circumstances, will
notify the deputy of support.
The deputy of support, in consultation with the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, will also put
appropriate interim measures in place, including, but not limited to, no contact orders; changes to class
assignments; changes to housing or working assignments; interim removal of the respondent from housing,
classes, or workplace; counseling; assistance with court-ordered restraining orders; academic support;
delays in project or examination due dates; campus No Trespass orders; administrative leave; and any other
measures that may be necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the Berklee community. Some of
these measures may be available under certain circumstances even if one decides to seek only confidential
support. Berklee will treat any interim measures with confidentiality to the extent that maintaining such
confidentiality does not impair the ability of Berklee to provide the protective measure.
Berklee will take additional prompt remedial or disciplinary action with respect to any individual who has
been found to engage in harassing or discriminatory behavior or retaliation.
Going Forward
Berklee is committed not only to fully addressing instances of prohibited conduct, but also to taking
measures to prevent its recurrence and address its effects. Even after an investigation is completed,
complainants should follow up with Berklee if they have lingering concerns or would like further support
of any type.
A. Confidential Resources
Individuals who have been subject to or who have witnessed discrimination, harassment, sex- or genderbased misconduct, or any other conduct prohibited by this policy are encouraged to seek support for their
emotional and physical needs. A person seeking confidential emotional or health care may contact the
following resources.
A report to a confidential resource listed below is not a report to Berklee and will not result in remedial
action or an investigation or disciplinary action. Confidential resources are there to support emotional,
9 physical, and spiritual needs only; any person who desires for Berklee to take investigatory/disciplinary
action must make a report to one of the Berklee Reporting resources, listed below this section.
For students, the following staff members within the student health and wellness team are confidential
resources:
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Director of Counseling Services
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Professional counselors in the Counseling and Advising Center (CAC) (617-747-2310) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For after hours emergencies, contact the Public
Safety emergency line (617-747-2333) and ask to speak to the on-call counselor. (In the CAC,
personal counselors are experienced in working with individuals who have experienced trauma,
including trauma from sexual violence.)
These individuals will maintain the confidentiality of a report unless (i) they are given permission to share
information by the person who disclosed the information; (ii) there is an imminent threat of harm to self or
others; (iii) the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or (iv) as otherwise
required or permitted by law or court order.
For Employees
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
E 4 Health, Inc.
1-800-828-6025
LifeScopeEAP.com
E4Healthinc.com
Emergency Medical Attention:
Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital
617-754-2450
Massachusetts General Hospital
617-724-4100
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
617-732-5636
Boston Medical Center
617-414-4075
In cases of sexual violence, Berklee encourages individuals to request a Sexual Assault Exam at any of the
above hospitals. The exam includes preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy,
and evidence collection, if sought. The exam is conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
who is a Registered Nurse with advanced training and certification in conducting sexual assault exams. If
an individual chooses not to preserve evidence or seek medical assistance, any of the other options outlined
here may still be taken.
Other confidential resources related to sexual misconduct or relationship violence are available online at
berklee.edu/equity.
NOTE: While the above confidential resources may maintain an individual’s confidentiality vis-à-vis
Berklee, they may have reporting or other obligations under state law, such as mandatory reporting to the
Department of Children and Families in the case of minors; threat of imminent harm to self or others; or the
requirement to testify if subpoenaed in a criminal case. At the beginning of any conversation, individuals
may want to consider asking resources to describe their level of confidentiality.
B. College Reporting/Responsible Employees
a. Formal Reporting to Berklee
10 Certain members of Berklee’s Equity Leadership Team have been trained to receive and respond to
allegations of violations of this policy. Reports should generally be made to the chief equity officer/Title IX
coordinator:
Christopher Kandus-Fisher
Chief Equity Officer/Title IX Coordinator
617-747-2330, ckandusfisher@berklee.edu
Other members of the Equity Leadership Team are listed online at berklee.edu/equity.
b. Responsible Employees
All Berklee employees (including staff, administrators, faculty, and resident assistants) - with a few limited
exceptions - are considered “Responsible Employees” under this policy and as a result are required to
promptly report allegations of violations of this policy that they observe or learn about to the chief equity
officer/Title IX coordinator, Christopher Kandus-Fisher, ckandusfisher@berklee.edu.
Although Responsible Employees are required to report conduct under this policy to the chief equity
officer/Title IX coordinator, they will otherwise maintain the privacy of the information related to the
matter reported, meaning they will only share it with the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator and other
employees with a need to know.
All Responsible Employees are required to report any incident that may violate this policy, even if the
person(s) concerned about or affected by the misconduct is unsure about pursuing a formal complaint. The
chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, who will assess the report and consult with the complainant, will
review reported allegation(s). Responsible employees who knew about but did not report allegations of
violations of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
Note, however, that Responsible Employees are not required to report information about violations of this
policy learned through public awareness events such as “Take Back the Night” or other forums at which
individuals disclose experiences with sexual violence or other violations of this policy. Berklee will
proceed with an inquiry or investigation in these circumstances if the disclosing person(s) wishes to file a
complaint.
c. Requests for Confidentiality
A complainant may disclose an incident but request confidentiality, that no investigation into the particular
incident be pursued, and/or that no action through Berklee’s process be taken. In such instances, the chief
equity officer/Title IX coordinator will weigh the request against Berklee’s obligation to provide a safe,
non-discriminatory environment for all students, employees, and others, including the complainant. A
range of factors may be considered in making this assessment, including, but not limited to, whether the
accused is likely to commit additional acts of violence, whether the act was committed with a weapon, if
the complainant is a minor, whether Berklee can obtain relevant evidence of the misconduct through some
other means, or whether the report reveals a pattern of behavior at a given location or by a particular group.
The presence of one or more of these factors could lead Berklee to investigate and, if appropriate, pursue
action against the accused. If none of these factors are present, Berklee will likely respect the complainant’s
request.
Similarly, a complainant may desire to have investigatory or disciplinary action taken, but may wish to
have their identity as the complainant kept confidential. Depending on the circumstances, this may or may
not be possible. If any number of people could have reported the incident (for instance, if it occurred in the
classroom), it may be possible for the complainant’s identity to remain confidential and not shared with the
respondent. However, in other cases, it may not be possible to proceed with investigatory or disciplinary
action without revealing the identity of the complainant.
If Berklee honors a complainant’s request for confidentiality, if the complainant decides not to participate
in an investigation, and/or if the complainant makes an anonymous complaint, Berklee’s ability to
meaningfully investigate the incident or pursue action against the accused may be limited.
11 If Berklee determines that it cannot maintain a complainant’s confidentiality, Berklee will inform the
complainant prior to an investigation and, to the extent possible, share information only with a limited
number of personnel responsible for handling Berklee’s response. Berklee will not require a complainant to
participate in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding. Berklee will remain ever mindful of the
complainant’s well-being, and will take ongoing steps to protect the complaint from retaliation or harm and
work with the complainant to create a safety plan. Retaliation against the complainant or any witnesses
involved in the process, by anyone, will not be tolerated.
Because Berklee is under a continuing obligation to address the issue of discrimination, harassment, and
sexual or gender-based misconduct campus-wide, reports of that nature (including non-identifying reports)
will also prompt Berklee to consider broader remedial action – such as increased monitoring, supervision,
or security at locations where the reported acts occurred; increasing education and prevention efforts,
including to targeted population groups; and/or revisiting its policies and practices.
d. Required Disclosures
Clery Act. Pursuant to the Clery Act and the 2013 Amendments to the Violence Against Women Act,
anonymous statistical information regarding reported criminal incidents must be shared with Berklee Public
Safety for inclusion in the Daily Crime Log. This information will also be included in Berklee’s Annual
Security Report. Berklee may also share aggregate and not personally identifiable data about reports,
outcomes, and sanctions. This information is collected only for statistical reporting as mandated by the
Clery Act; no individuals or identifying details are revealed.
If a report of misconduct discloses a serious and immediate threat to the campus community, Berklee
Public Safety will issue a timely notification to protect the health or safety of the community as required by
the Clery Act. The notification will not include identifying information about a reporting party.
All Berklee investigations and disciplinary processes are conducted in accordance with the requirements of
Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act, FERPA, state and local law, and Berklee policy.
Information about particular investigations and disciplinary processes will only be released in accord with
law or Berklee policy.
For further information regarding the Clery Act and other Public Safety functions, contact Public Safety at
617-747-2682.
Mandated Reporter Obligations. Members of the Berklee community who hold certain positions are
considered “mandated reporters” and are required by law to report suspected abuse of minors and elders,
including sexual abuse, to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). These positions
include, but are not limited to, teachers, educational administrators, police officers, nurses, medical
treatment providers, social workers, preschool, summer, and after-school program staff, child care
providers, and guidance or family counselors.
C. Law Enforcement
The conduct discussed in this policy may also constitute violations of the law, to which other laws and
regulations may apply beyond the scope of this policy and Berklee’s disciplinary measures. Criminal
definitions under state and federal law for some of the conduct described under this policy such as
relationship violence (including dating and domestic violence) and stalking can be found online at
berklee.edu/equity.
A victim of a crime is encouraged, but is not required, to report the incident to Berklee Public Safety
Department and/or local law enforcement in order to pursue criminal charges. A person may pursue a
criminal complaint, a complaint to Berklee, both, or neither. The fact that there is a criminal complaint filed
will not prevent Berklee from taking its own internal investigatory and disciplinary action. In some cases,
however, Berklee may delay temporarily its internal processes while a law enforcement investigation is
ongoing.
12 Any person may call the Berklee Public Safety Department (617-747-2333) or 911 for immediate safety
assistance. Berklee can assist in making a criminal report to local law enforcement and will cooperate with
law enforcement agencies if a community member decides to pursue the criminal process, to the extent
permitted by law. Criminal complaints may be filed by contacting Berklee Public Safety (617-747-2333) or
local law enforcement (911).
In criminal cases, the preservation of evidence is critical and should be done properly and promptly (as
soon as possible, but typically within 5 days). In cases of rape or other forms of sexual assault, it is
important not to shower, change clothes and even brush your hair, as physical evidence may be lost. In
cases of violence or physical abuse, it is important to document injuries, including by taking photographs.
The Berklee Public Safety Department (617-747-2333) or local law enforcement (911) can assist in filing a
criminal complaint and in securing appropriate physical examination, including by a Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner.
In some cases, an individual may also wish to consider an Abuse Prevention Order, also known as a
“restraining order” or “209A order,” or a Harassment Prevention Order, also known as a “258E order,”
from the local courts. These are civil proceedings independent of Berklee. If a court order is issued Berklee
will, to the extent possible, assist the protected person in benefiting from the restrictions imposed by the
court and will also facilitate on campus compliance with the order. Berklee may also limit an individual’s
or organization’s access to certain Berklee facilities or activities as part of the order.
In addition or in the alternative, affected individuals may also file a formal complaint with the appropriate
government agencies. Students may submit complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment to the U.S.
Department of Education: Office for Civil Rights, 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Suite 900, Boston, MA
02109-3921, 617-289-0111 (Statute of Limitations: 180 days). Berklee employees may submit complaints
of discrimination or sexual harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, JFK Building,
Room 475, 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203, 617-565-3200 (Statute of Limitations: 300 days)
or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, 617727-3990 (Statute of Limitations: 300 days).
VII. Academic Freedom
This policy is not intended to restrict teaching methods or freedom of expression, nor will it be permitted to
do so. Offensiveness of conduct, on its own, is not sufficient for the conduct to constitute a violation of this
policy. The conduct must be sufficiently serious to interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in
employment or an educational program and activities from both a subjective and objective perspective.
VIII. False Allegations
Anyone who makes a report that is later found to have been intentionally false or made maliciously without
regard for truth may be subject to disciplinary action. Similarly, a person who is later proven to have
intentionally given false information during the course of a Berklee investigative or disciplinary process
may be subject to disciplinary action. This provision does not apply to reports made in good faith, even if
the facts alleged in the report are not substantiated by an investigation.
No complaint will be considered “false” solely because it cannot be corroborated.
IX. Amnesty
Berklee recognizes that a complainant or witness who was using alcohol or other drugs at the time of a
reported incident may be hesitant to come forward due to the potential of disciplinary consequences.
Students who report violations of this policy, either as a complainant or a third party witness, will not be
subject to disciplinary and/or corrective action by Berklee for their own consumption of alcohol or drugs at
or near the time of the incident. The same applies to students who disclose such use in the course of an
investigation. Berklee may, however, enforce educational remedies regarding alcohol or other drugs. This
policy provides amnesty from discipline from Berklee but does not apply to any external law enforcement.
Amnesty will not apply if someone is found to have possessed, used, provided, or administered alcohol or
other drugs for the purpose of financial gain (or similar), to minors, or to harm others.
13 X. Policy Administration and Enforcement
Members of the Equity Leadership Team are responsible for the implementation of this policy and the
Equity Complaint Process. The Title IX coordinator and chief equity officer serves as a first point of
contact with this team.
Title IX Coordinator: Christopher Kandus-Fisher,
Chief Equity Officer and Vice President for Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion,
921 Boylston Street,
617-747-2330, ckandusfisher@berklee.edu
Other members of the Equity Leadership Team are listed online at berklee.edu/equity.
XI. Designation of Authority
Any person assigned a role pursuant to this policy may designate their authority to another appropriate
person to avoid conflicts of interest or in other circumstances, as deemed necessary.
EQUITY COMPLAINT PROCESS
I. Introduction
These procedures are for the investigation and adjudication of violations of the Equity Policy. Complaints
of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct will be handled internally through the
Equity Complaint Process outlined below.
The process described below will apply to all complaints involving students, faculty, administrators, or
staff. Complaints against any Berklee community member made to Berklee by third parties are also subject
to this process. While Berklee may choose to pursue complaints by a Berklee community member against
third parties or former community members, disciplinary action can generally only be taken against an
individual as long as that person is enrolled, employed, or otherwise involved with Berklee. Nothing in this
policy or process alters or modifies the at-will employment relationship.
To the extent any collective bargaining agreement applicable to complainant or respondent provides for
alternate procedures for the resolution of harassment or discrimination complaints, such procedures will be
followed and read in the context of this policy and procedure, and any additional rights provided in the
collective bargaining agreement will be applied equally to both complainant and respondent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this policy and procedure shall supersede any provisions of a collective
bargaining agreement that conflict with the law.
II. Complaint Intake and Interim Remedial Actions
Following receipt of notice of a violation or of a complaint, the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator
will contact the complainant and provide information regarding rights, options, how to get immediate
confidential help, and, in appropriate circumstances, will notify the deputy of support.
An initial determination is made by the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator as to whether a policy
violation may have occurred or whether mediation or alternative resolution might be appropriate. If the
complaint does not appear to allege a policy violation, if mediation is agreed to by the involved parties3
and appears appropriate given the nature of the alleged behavior, or alternative resolution is appropriate
under the circumstances, then the complaint does not generally proceed to full investigation. In making a
decision as to whether to proceed to investigation, the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator also
3
The term “parties” in this section refers to the respondent(s), and if applicable any individual
complainant(s). Berklee may bring charges even when there is no individual who wishes to formally pursue
a complaint.
14 considers the wishes of the complainant. A full investigation will almost always be pursued if there is
evidence of a pattern of misconduct or a perceived threat of further harm to the community or any of its
members.
At this stage and during any resulting investigation, the deputy of support, in consultation with the chief
equity officer/Title IX coordinator and the parties, will also put appropriate interim measures in place,
including but not limited to, no contact orders; changes to class assignments; changes to housing or
working assignments; interim removal of the respondent from housing, classes, or workplace; counseling;
assistance with court‐ordered restraining orders; academic support; delays in project or examination due
dates; campus No Trespass orders; administrative leave; and any other measures that may be necessary to
protect the safety and well-being of the Berklee community. Some of these measures may be available
under certain circumstances even if one decides to seek only confidential support. Berklee will treat any
protective measures with confidentiality to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not
impair Berklee’s ability to provide the protective measure.
III. Investigation
Investigator
In cases where the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator determines that a complaint appears to allege a
policy violation and a complainant wishes to pursue a formal complaint or the chief equity officer/Title IX
coordinator decides that Berklee, based on a potential policy violation, wishes to pursue a formal
complaint, then the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator appoints trained, impartial individual(s) to
conduct the investigation.
In the event that the chief equity officer designates more than one investigator, both investigators will not
necessarily attend every interview. The investigator(s) assigned to resolve a case is based on the status of
the respondent as set forth below:
•
Student respondent: Deputy for student investigations, director of community standards, or
designee
•
Staff or faculty respondent: Deputy for employee investigations, director of employee relations, or
designee
In certain circumstances, the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator may appoint a neutral third-party or
other investigator trained in investigations and familiar with Berklee policies. Any such third-party
investigator may serve as a single investigator or as a co-investigator with one of the investigators
identified above.
Initiating Investigation and Communications
The investigator is responsible for communications with the parties regarding the initiation and progress of
the investigation. Prior to initiating the investigation, the investigator will meet separately with each party
to review applicable policy, procedures, rights, and other expectations related to the investigation. At this
meeting, the parties must separately complete and sign the Investigative Procedures Checklist.
Allegations to be investigated and charge letters to respondents are determined and issued as follows:
The investigator and the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator will together determine all potential
charges/violations and will inform the parties of their rights to review and comment on all evidence, offer
witnesses and evidence, and be accompanied by an advisor of choice. The investigator will provide the
respondent with written notice of all allegations, in a charge letter and/or written complaint, prior to the
initial interview. The complainant will also receive a copy of the charge letter at the same time as the
respondent.
If new information comes to light that results in the need to charge the respondent with additional
violations, then the parties will be provided with an updated, written letter setting forth the new allegations.
15 Advisor of Choice
The parties may each be advised by one (1) advisor of their choice (e.g. student, faculty member, family
member, attorney, etc). Advisors serve as a support person for the parties during investigative meetings. If
either party requests it, the deputy for process advisors will connect the party with a faculty or staff member
who can act as an advisor. Advisors are not permitted to interfere with or obstruct the investigation or to
testify in place of a party during any proceeding. Individuals who are witnesses to the incident or are
otherwise involved in the matter cannot serve as advisors. Berklee reserves the right to remove an advisor
from any proceeding should these expectations and guidelines be violated. The advisor’s name and
relationship to a party should be disclosed to the investigator at least two days prior to any meeting.
Although proceedings are not generally delayed or rescheduled due to an advisor’s availability, the
investigator will consider reasonable requests made to reschedule a meeting or other proceedings and will
make the final determination with respect to that request. These procedures will not be applied in a manner
that conflicts with an employee’s Weingarten rights, when applicable.
Evidence Collection
The investigator will interview the parties, as well as all relevant witnesses, and gather any relevant
evidence (such as texts, social media postings, surveillance video, photos), and consider all relevant
evidence. The investigator retains discretion to determine how to conduct the investigation and what
information is necessary and relevant. Although formal rules of evidence will not apply, the investigator
will not consider character evidence, incidents not directly related to the possible violation unless they tend
to show a pattern, past sexual history, or sexual character of either party, unless such information is
determined to be highly relevant by the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator. The investigation will be
thorough, impartial, and fair, and all individuals will be treated with appropriate sensitivity and respect.
During the investigation, the parties will have an equal opportunity to share information and request that
witnesses be interviewed. The parties will not be interviewed together or be required to meet.
In most cases, the investigator will prepare a written summary of the evidence to be considered at the
conclusion of an investigation. Before a determination is made, the participating parties will be given the
opportunity to review a summary of relevant evidence, including their own statement. Parties must submit
any comments about this summary to the investigator within five (5) calendar days after that statement or
summary was provided.
Determination
The investigator will then review all relevant evidence and make a determination as to whether or not the
respondent is responsible or not responsible for each allegation, using a preponderance of evidence
standard. The investigator will then amend the summary report, including rationale and conclusions, for
review by the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator.
The chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator will oversee each investigation and ensure sufficiency of
evidence gathered, that the facts gathered support the findings, that best practices are followed, and that
each allegation is addressed in the investigator’s summary report.
IV. Sanctions
If there is a finding of a policy violation, a sanction(s) must be determined. Sanctions are designed to end
the conduct and prevent its recurrence.
Determination of Sanctions
Factors considered when determining a sanction may include, but are not limited to,
•
•
•
•
The nature, severity of, and circumstances surrounding the violation;
An individual’s or organization’s previous disciplinary history;
Previous acts of similar conduct;
The need for sanctions to bring an end to the discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation;
16 •
•
•
The need for sanctions to prevent the future recurrence of discrimination, harassment, and/or
retaliation;
The need to remedy the effects of the discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation on the
complainant and the community; or
Any other factors deemed relevant.
Sanctions are determined as follows:
•
Student respondent cases: Investigator meets with chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, and
together they determine the sanction. The deputy of investigations may also participate in making
the decision
•
Staff respondent cases: Investigator meets with the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, and
together they determine the sanction. The deputy of investigations may also participate in making
the decision.
•
Faculty respondent cases: Investigator meets with a dean or other individual designated by the
provost (“provost’s designee for sanctioning”) and the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator.
The investigator and chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator make the decision, with the dean or
provost’s designee serving in an advisory or consultative capacity.
Possible Sanctions
Sanctions may range from mandated education, formal warning, probation, suspension, dismissal (for
students), or corrective action up to and including termination (for employees)4
Sanctions may also include, but are not limited to, requirements that existing interim measures stay in place
for a prescribed period of time and new remedies such as no contact, housing placement, or academic
adjustments, based upon the investigation and adjudication of the case.
Below is a list of potential sanctions. While these represent sanctions generally assessed, Berklee may take
other interim measures not mentioned here, depending on the particular circumstances of a case:
For student respondents:
a. Disciplinary Warning
b. Disciplinary Probation
c. Residential Probation
d. Residential Suspension
e. Suspension
f. Expulsion
g. Fines
h. Restriction of Privileges
i. Behavioral Agreements
j. Deferred Housing Removal
k. No-contact Orders
l. Interim Suspension
m Letter of Apology
n. Check-in/Success Meeting
o. Reflection/Research Papers
p. Community Restitution
4
Criminal complaints are governed by applicable criminal laws and sanctions for the alleged assailant
may include any applicable criminal sanctions, up to and including incarceration. Berklee will cooperate
in all criminal investigations and support individuals throughout the process.
17 For staff or faculty:
a. No-contact orders
b. Mandated counseling, education, and/or training
c. Verbal warning
d. Written warning
e. Final written warning
f. Suspension
g. Involuntary termination
Notification of Outcome
Parties are notified of outcomes in writing on the same day. This notification gives a summary of the
investigative report and sanctioning determination, as well as information on how to file any appeal.
V. Timeframe
Berklee will conduct a timely review of all complaints and endeavors to complete review and resolution
within sixty (60) calendar days from receipt of the complaint to notification of outcomes.
The preliminary review of all complaints, including any necessary interviews to be conducted and any
necessary interim measures to be put in place, will usually be completed within fifteen (15) days of receipt
of the complaint.
The subsequent comprehensive review and investigation of the complaint, including interviews with
involved parties and gathering of evidence, is usually completed within forty-five (45) days of receipt of
the complaint.
Investigation of complaints brought directly by those alleging harm will be completed as expeditiously as
possible. Investigations may take longer when (among other things) initial complaints fail to provide direct
firsthand information or when Berklee is not in session. Berklee may, but shall not be obligated to, delay its
processes when criminal charges on the basis of the same behaviors that invoke this process are being
investigated. Berklee action will not be altered or precluded on the grounds that civil or criminal charges
involving the same incident have been filed or that charges have been dismissed or reduced.
In each case, Berklee will strive to adhere to time frames suggested by this policy and related procedures.
Berklee may, due to specific case circumstances, need to extend these time frames. In the event that such
time frames will not be met, the parties will be kept informed.
VI. Withdrawal With Charges Pending
If a student respondent withdraws from Berklee while an investigation under this policy is pending, and
before any findings have been made, the respondent’s transcript will reflect that the student withdrew
pending an investigation of disciplinary charges. If a student respondent withdraws after an investigation
found that person responsible for violating the policy, but before a sanction was implemented, the student’s
transcript will reflect that the student withdrew pending disciplinary sanctions. Should a student decide to
withdraw and not participate in the investigation, Berklee may opt to proceed without the student to a
reasonable resolution and the student will not be permitted to return to Berklee unless all sanctions have
been satisfied.
Should an employee respondent decide to resign and not participate in the investigation, Berklee may opt to
proceed without the employee to a reasonable resolution and the employee may not be permitted to reapply
for employment if a policy violation is found.
VII. Alternative Resolution
In cases where the possible sanctions are minor, such as disciplinary warning for students or verbal warning
for an employee, the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator may request that an appropriate administrator
or investigator make a decision as to responsibility using a preponderance of the evidence standard and
18 implement a sanction, with a brief statement of the rationale for the sanction provided to the parties. A
complainant or respondent dissatisfied with the sanction may request reconsideration in writing within five
days of notification of the sanction to the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, who will determine
whether to uphold or modify the sanction. Alternative resolution will not be used to address complaints
of sexual assault or violent behavior of any kind or in other cases of serious violations of policy.
VIII. Conflict Resolution Process
Conflict resolution may be used for incidents that are less severe, persistent, and/or pervasive and in which
all principle parties express a willingness to participate in a conflict resolution process. Conflict resolution
processes are alternatives to the formal investigation procedure outlined above. The chief equity
officer/Title IX coordinator will determine if conflict resolution is appropriate based on the willingness of
the parties, the nature of the conduct at issue, and the susceptibility of the conduct to conflict resolution. In
a conflict resolution meeting, an individual designated by the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator will
facilitate a dialogue with the parties to an effective resolution, if possible. Sanctions are not possible as the
result of a conflict resolution process, though the parties may agree to appropriate remedies, in which case
the complaint is resolved. The chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator will keep records of any resolution
that is reached, and failure to abide by the accord can result in appropriate responsive actions. Conflict
resolution will not be used to address complaints of sexual assault or violent behavior of any kind or
in other cases of serious violations of policy. It is not necessary to pursue conflict resolution first in order
to make a formal complaint, and anyone participating in conflict resolution can stop that process at any
time and request a formal process. The results of conflict resolution are not subject to appeal.
IX. Appeals
The complainant and the respondent have equal rights to an impartial appeal. Both parties must submit the
appeal form, available at berklee.edu/equity. Those submitting an appeal are called the “appellant.”
Appeals will be heard solely on the following grounds:
1.
The appellant alleges that new evidence is available that was not available prior to the original
investigation and finding and that this new evidence may have a material effect on the case;
2.
The appellant alleges that the investigation process was not adhered to and that such nonadherence may have had a material impact;
3.
The appellant alleges that the sanctions assigned are disproportionate to the sanctions issued to
others who were found to be responsible for substantially similar violations.
Typically, parties will not meet with the deputy for appeals or the panel. The appeals process is conducted
in writing. Therefore, when submitting documents in the appeal process, parties should include any and all
information they would like to have considered by the deputy for appeals and the appeals panel.
Generally, the original decision, including sanctions, remains in effect throughout the appeal period.
For cases in which the respondent is a student or staff:
Both respondents and complainants will have five business days from written notification of an outcome to
submit a written appeal to the deputy for appeals. If the deputy for appeals receives no appeals by this
deadline, the deputy for appeals will notify both parties that the original decision stands.
If and when the deputy for appeals receives a timely appeal, the deputy for appeals will forward that
appeal, in its entirety, to the other party for review and comment. That party will have five business days to
submit their written review and comments to the deputy for appeals. This response is a right, but not a
requirement. The decision by a party not to respond to the other party’s appeal does not indicate agreement
with that appeal.
19 Absent unusual circumstances, within 10 business days of the deadline for a response to the appeal, the
deputy for appeals will evaluate the request and determine whether or not the appellant has provided
sufficient grounds for review. If the deputy for appeals determines the appellant has provided sufficient
grounds for review, the deputy for appeals will notify the parties.
If the deputy for appeals determines that sufficient grounds for review are not provided in the appeal, the
appeal will be dismissed. In this event, the original decision will stand and is final.
If the deputy for appeals determines that sufficient grounds for review are provided within the appeal, the
appeal will be decided by an appeal panel of three trained administrators, including the deputy for appeals.
The appeal panel will typically review the appeal, any response received, the outcome letter, and the case
summary. The appeal panel will determine whether or not the appeal meets any grounds.
The panel will exclude from consideration any evidence it deems inadmissible by Berklee policy,
including, but not limited to, character evidence.
The appeal panel is not intended to conduct a full review of the case. This is not an opportunity for the
deputy of appeals or the appeal panel to substitute their judgment for that of the original investigator.
Rather, they may only make changes to the original outcome when at least one of the specified grounds for
appeal is met. The changes made should directly pertain to the appeal grounds that were met.
The appeal panel may a) determine that no grounds for appeal have been met; thus, the original decision
stands; b) determine that grounds for appeal have been met, and choose to remand the matter back to the
original or new investigator to address the appealed aspects of the case; or c) may make a new finding of
fact, finding of responsibility, and/or (as appropriate) sanction.
Absent unusual circumstances, the appeal panel will convene, render a decision, and the deputy for appeals
will provide that outcome in writing to complainants and respondents within 15 business days from the
determination that the appeal stated grounds.
For cases in which the respondent is a member of the faculty subject to the collective bargaining
agreement, the following are variances from the above appeal process:
Both parties will have fifteen (15) calendar days from written notification of an outcome to submit a written
appeal to the provost or the deputy for appeals, acting as the provost’s designee.
The only issue subject to appeal is the level of discipline or lack thereof. Appeals will follow the terms of
Article XI of the Faculty Contract.
The appeal will be decided by the provost, who will make the final decision in consultation with the deputy
for appeals and one other trained administrator.
Any non-faculty complainant shall have the same rights as a faculty respondent as set forth above,
including the right to meet with the provost.
X. Prevention and Education
Through its educational programming and security measures, Berklee attempts to help community
members reduce their risk of being subject to harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct. In line
with its mission of cultivating a supportive learning environment, Berklee strives to actively promote a
climate of respect for personal and cultural differences by offering a range of services and activities to
support the needs of the entire community, composed of people from all around the world. An integral part
of this objective is comprehensive educational programming, prevention, and security measures designed to
help community members reduce their risk of being subject to harassment, discrimination, or sexual
misconduct. In addition, Berklee has developed a strategic plan to educate the community with regard to
20 sexual and gender-based violence in particular, and offers a number of training, education, and awareness
programs each year.
For more information about Berklee’s available prevention and education offerings please contact the
deputy for prevention and education, listed under Equity Leadership Team, online at berklee.edu/equity.
Appendices
The following information pertaining to the Equity Policy and Process can be found at berklee.edu/equitypolicy-and-process/equity-policy:
•
Appendix A: Summary of the federal and state definitions applicable to certain offenses (domestic
violence, dating violence, sexual offenses, and stalking)
•
Appendix B: Additional Resources
21 Appendix A Some of the conduct prohibited by this policy may also constitute violations of the law, in addition to or beyond the scope of this policy and Berklee’s disciplinary measures. The following is a summary of the federal and state definitions applicable to certain offenses (domestic violence, dating violence, sexual offenses, and stalking). “Domestic Violence” “Domestic violence” means a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by any of the following individuals: a current or former spouse of the victim; a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse; a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies; or any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. See 42 U.S.C. 13925(a). Under state law, “domestic abuse” is defined to be the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members: attempting to cause or causing physical harm, placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm; and causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress. Under this law, family or household members include people who are or were married, residing in the same household, related by blood or marriage, have a child together, or have a substantive dating or engagement relationship. See M.G.L. c. 209A, § 1. “Dating Violence” “Dating violence” means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. Violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. The existence of a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim is determined based on the length of the relationship; the type of the relationship; and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. The term dating violence does not include acts covered 22 under the federal definition of “domestic violence.” See 42 U.S.C. 13925(a). Massachusetts law has no statutory definition of “dating violence,” but that crime is covered under the definition of “domestic violence.” “Stalking” “Stalking” is defined under federal law as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or to suffer substantial emotional distress. See 42 U.S.C. 13925(a). For purpose of this definition: • The term “course of conduct” means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly or through third parties, by any action, method, device or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person’s property. • The term “substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. • The term “reasonable person” means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. Under Massachusetts law, M.G.L., c. 265, §43, an individual engages in stalking if she/he: 1) willfully and maliciously engages in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress; and 2) makes a threat with the intent to place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury. “Sexual Offenses” 23 “Sexual offenses” means any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of that person, including instances when the person is unable to give consent. Sexual offenses including the following: • “Rape,” which is defined as the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. Under state law, rape occurs when the offender has “sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person and compels such person to submit by force and against his/her will, or compels such person to submit by threat of bodily injury.” See M.G.L. c. 265, § 22. A sexual assault that does not meet the legal definition of rape may constitute “indecent assault and battery,” which occurs when the offender, without the victim’s consent, intentionally has physical contact of a sexual nature with the victim. See M.G.L. c. 265, § 13H. • “Fondling,” which is the touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. • “Non-­‐Forcible Sex Offenses,” which is defined as unlawful, non-­‐
forcible sexual intercourse, including: • “Incest,” which is defined as the non-­‐forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law; and 24 • “Statutory rape,” which is defined as non-­‐forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. In Massachusetts the statutory age of consent is 16 years of age. See M.G.L., c. 265, §23. “Consent” Relevant federal law does not include a definition of the term “consent.” See Violence Against Women Act (Final Rule), 79 Fed. Reg. 62,572 (Oct. 20, 2014) (codified 34 C.F.R. 668). There is currently no state statutory definition of consent. Berklee’s policy definition of consent is to be applied in cases of alleged sexual assault. 25 •
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APPENDIX B: Additional Resources The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, 800-­‐841-­‐8371(Provides a crisis line, 24-­‐hour advocacy, and counseling services) National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-­‐800-­‐656-­‐4673 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-­‐800-­‐799-­‐7233 National Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-­‐866-­‐331-­‐9474 Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence / Jane Doe, Inc., 24-­‐hour Multi-­‐lingual: 617-­‐248-­‐0922, SafeLink Hotline: 877-­‐785-­‐2020, janedoe.org (Advocacy, referral and support services; LGBT services) RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network ) Hot Line: 1-­‐800-­‐656-­‐HOPE www.rainn.org The Victim Rights Law Center, 617-­‐399-­‐6720 X19 (Provides direct legal representation to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault) The following off-­‐campus resources are available to address the equity violation needs of specific populations. In describing these resources, in the interest of respect for their work and the communities they serve, we have often used their own words, even if the Berklee community might use different words. • For male survivors of unwanted sexual experiences: 1in6.org • For LGBT individuals who are victims of bias crime, domestic violence (intimate partner violence), and sexual assault: Fenway Health Violence Recovery Program • For Spanish-­‐speaking victim-­‐survivors of sexual abuse: Llámanos y hablemos 1-­‐800-­‐223-­‐5001; TTY: 1-­‐800-­‐688-­‐4889 • Spanish-­‐speaking individuals in LGBTQ/SM/polyamourous relationships: The Network/La Red, 617-­‐742-­‐4911, 617-­‐227-­‐
4911 (TTY) • For Asian-­‐language speakers (Cantonese, Mandarin, and Toisanese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese) experiencing domestic violence (intimate partner violence): Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence 26 • For all survivors of sexual misconduct, including providing family shelter to those with teen children: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence • For Portuguese speakers: Massachusetts Alliance of Portugeuse Speakers • For trans* individuals: National Center for Transgender Equality • For refugees or those in an immigration process: Refugee and Immigration Assistance Center • For South Asian women and families: Saheli • For Muslim women and families: Turning Point 27